Editorials and Medical Intelligence

1852 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal  
Diseuses of the Season-The Use of Fruits.-There were formerly cer. tain undefined complaints during the latter part of summer, familiar to every body in New England, termed diseases of the season, of which many died, and of which fruit was generally supposed to be the all-powerful cause. A greater mistake was never made by an intelligent community, than to suppose that apples, pears, plums, peaches, berries, melons and the like, when fully ripe, are iujurious either to individuals who fall
more » ... the standard of sound health, or to the more strong and robust. It is a misfortune that fruits are so dear that the poorest people cannot have that of the best quality, and sometimes can have none at all. As al! the laws of nature are harmonious, and one never conflicts with another, it is very certain that fruits were wisely intended as a n essential part of the food of man, particularly a t the seasons when they are ripe. It is necessary to exercise reason in the use of them, as in every thing else. If we eat that which is decayed or crude, it is a violation of a physiological law ; and so also is a total abstinence from them when scattered plenteously over the land. Fruit, therefore, may be considered necessary to the maintenapce of health, and its free consumption should always be encouraged. Those who cannot obtain the good, often ravenously derour the unwholesome, from a n instinctive desire implanted in their nature. T o the abuse, and not the proper use of fruit, may be charged the occurrence of what are called the diseases of the season.
doi:10.1056/nejm185208110470206 fatcat:s2dnup6kcnbgnpblcadnrdtd44